Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, during the 21st Imam Hatip Alumni Congress, called for a unified response from Islamic countries to confront what he described as Israel’s “state terrorism” amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

He warned that Israel's expansionist ambitions could extend beyond Palestinian territories, posing a broader regional threat.

Addressing the situation in Gaza, President Erdoğan accused Israel of genocide, referencing the deaths of over 40,000 civilians, including 17,000 children, since the beginning of the conflict. He condemned Israel’s targeting of innocent civilians, particularly highlighting the recent killing of a young girl, Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi.

Erdoğan argued that the conflict was not a conventional war but a battle between Zionist expansionism and Muslim resistance. He warned that Israel's ambitions might extend beyond Gaza and Ramallah, with potential threats to other regional nations such as Lebanon and Syria. He claimed Israel has already expressed intentions of expanding its occupation, which would eventually affect Türkiye’s territory between the Tigris and Euphrates.

Erdoğan emphasized that standing against Israel’s actions is both a religious and patriotic duty. He urged Islamic countries to wake up to the danger and strengthen cooperation against Israel's occupation. He stressed that the only way to stop Israel’s actions was through a united front of Islamic nations.

“The recent diplomatic steps we have taken with Egypt and Syria aim to build solidarity against the growing threat of expansionism,” Erdoğan said. He reiterated that Türkiye’s foreign policy maneuvers, including strengthening ties with neighboring countries, were for the benefit of Gaza, Palestine, and the broader region.

Erdoğan’s speech underscored Türkiye’s stance on the ongoing conflict, with a strong call for Islamic unity as the solution to countering Israel’s actions. He reaffirmed that Türkiye would continue its diplomatic efforts to increase regional cooperation and defend Palestinian interests. (ILKHA)